WREN Agent Hiking Appalachian Trail

Springs, Streams and Overgrowth!

by Thomas Larkin on 05/20/13

Saturday, May 18, 2013:

We left Trent's Grocery after a night of intermittent rain. At least it had stopped by dawn. The trail began with a steep incline but soon leveled out. The first half of today presented at least 20 stream crossings.... Gentle creeks, babbling brooks, and swift rivlet's with waterfalls. The plant life is amazing with arches and tunnels of rhododendron and mountain laurel. The second half of the hike was up and over a peak which was black with the soot of a controlled burn. I arrived at the Woods Hole hostel at about 4:00 pm to rest up for my two day visit with Suzi. We'll be investigating the area tomorrow afternoon, and hiking to Pearisburg, VA on Monday.

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Ridge Running

by Thomas Larkin on 05/20/13

Friday, May 17, 2013:

Sparkey and I left Bland, VA at 8:00 am and set out for however far we could get. Bland was a nice rest and I crammed a lot of calories into my 20 lb lighter body. I guess I need to do a better job of counting how much I eat, or need to eat more! The hike began right on I77 and headed uphill for about 1/2 hr. After that it basically followed the ridges for about the next 15 miles. I got off the trail at VA 606 and walked .5 mi to Trent's Grocery for diner, a shower, and a campsite. Tomorrow I have a 8 mile hike to Wapiti Shelter, or a 15 mile hike to Woods Hole Hostel where I meet Suzi on Sunday. It all depends on the weather. It's supposed to be rain of some kind for the next 3 days. In fact it just began to rain on my tent as I am writing this line. I'll probably hike the shorter distances over the next two days.

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Ledges

by Thomas Larkin on 05/19/13

Thursday, May 16, 2013:

The climb from the campsite was steep and still 14 miles to Bland, VA. The first half of the day was relatively easy with no major ups or downs. The second half was winding and circuitous. I think the trail led all four directions- north, south, east, and west. The worst part were the ledges. Here's a picture. One misstep and you're down the hill.

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Stealth Camp

by Thomas Larkin on 05/19/13

Wednesday, May 15, 2013:

Packed up and left my stealth camp (not a previously used site) about 7:30am with 15 miles in mind. Unfortunately many elevation changes and an overall rise of 2000 feet took its toll on my body. I found Davis Farm campsite 3 miles short of 15 miles and took this detour of 0.5 miles down a blue laze path I'll have to climb tomorrow. This beucholic setting has been well worth the effort. Set up camp, replenished badly needed water, made dinner and prepared for tomorrow. Intend to hike 15 and hitch into Bland. We'll see how it goes.

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Leaving Atkins, VA

by Thomas Larkin on 05/19/13

Tuesday, May 14, 2013:

Today was tough. 17 miles. The terrane was varied and beautiful. Steep ups and downs, long flat areas, wooded areas, lush pastures, swampy places, babbling brooks, rushing rivers, and everything was just beautiful. 17 miles is hard on your legs, but recovery time seems to be getting easier and faster. Part of it is that I have found my rhythm and I don't pound my legs and feet as much. Mornings are easier now and the warm weather helps too. Tomorrow could be another 15 mile day!

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Monday, May 13

by Thomas Larkin on 05/19/13

Monday, May 13, 2013:

Got an early 7:00 am start on what should be one of the last brisk mornings for a while. Looking forward to 5 good weather days and making 12-20 miles each day. The terrane is beautiful and less sloaping . The trail is several miles away but overlooks I-81, which I will cross at Atkins, VA on Tuesday morning. Staying in the last hotel for a while as the weather looks good and fewer lodging opportunities are near the trail. Meeting daughter Suzi in 6 days near Parisburg for some family hiking. Looking forward to this!

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Bittersweet Day...

by Thomas Larkin on 05/15/13

Sunday, May 12, 2013:

Today is bittersweet. I'm back on the trail with clear sky's, but without my friends and companions, floater and gee. Ron (floater) has been having serious gastro problems and will go to the hospital in Marion for help. I hope they are back soon. I churned out 15 miles before hitching a ride into Marion for a warm bed and seafood fajita dinner. Tonight it's supposed to get close to freezing. With a good nights rest I plan to go 12 miles to Atkins and avoid another freezing night by staying in a cheap hotel bed.

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Update from Linda

by Thomas Larkin on 05/15/13

David called (collect) from Troutdale, Virginia. Can you believe it? He has now walked over 500 miles of the trail. He wishes everyone a Happy Mother's Day - and Happy Birthday to his son, Phillip!

David has had no cell phone or internet connections for over a week. Tough on a guy who's always connected!

But - to make up for it - he's had an amazing week. The weather has been really nice - until this weekend when it started to rain again. He and his hiking friends are hanging out at the Troutdale Baptist Church while this

latest storm passes.

Last Saturday, May 4, he called from the Tennessee-Virginia border. Since then, he has walked in the footsteps of Daniel Boone, along the Virginia Creeper Trail. He has climbed Virginia's two highest peaks - Whitetop Mountain, at 5,520 feet and Mt. Rogers, at 5,792 feet. The highlight of his week was on Rhododendron Gap - home to lots of feral ponies. It's springtime, so there are many foals. David says they are so friendly, they licked his hand! Can't wait to see photos!

Once the weather clears, he heads to Pearisburg, Virginia for a reunion with his daughter Suzi (trail name Hiccup). She'll have a car load of supplies and will hike with him for a couple of days.

Take care - and Happy Trails,

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Thomas Knob and Old Orchard Shelters - Baptist Church Hostel in Troutdale

by Thomas Larkin on 05/15/13

Wednesday, May 8, 2013:

It was rainy and foggy all day as we ascended Whitetop Mtn and Spring Elk Gardens on the way to Mt Rogers. As we approached the Thomas Knob shelter we passed a small herd of wild ponies as the rain increased to a downpour. The wind had the rain driving sideways again. The T K shelter provided a welcome relief from the elements with a second story fully enclosed loft. Capacity 16 hikers and we crammed in at least 20.

Thursday- 5/9 - the weather began to break and we hiked to a beautiful meadow in front of the Old Orchard shelter, 11 miles away. Tented under great conditions and took off at 8:00 am on the 10th under ideal conditions. 10 miles later clouds and winds appeared so we bolted to the Baptist Church Hostel in Troutdale. Another "0" rain day but we see 4 days of good weather coming and with this rest we should be rejuvenated and ready to sprint.

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Rainy days in Damascus, VA

by Thomas Larkin on 05/15/13

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday - May 5-7, 2013:

Damascus is the home of the Appalachian "trail days", the annual celebration of the AT. This takes place in two weeks. We stopped here to wait out another thunderstorm and to resupply food. Everybody on the trail had the same idea so rooms were hard to find. Fortunately I found a 3 bed apartment so Ron, Gee, and I shared space again for 3 days. Monday, 5/6- This morning Shannon, our landlord, dropped us off 18 miles out of town on US HWY 58 for a hike back into town. We made great time and knocked off this section by 4:00 pm. On Tuesday 5/7 he will drop us off at the same location to head north once again and bid Damascus Adieu.

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